Sounders’ Kasey Keller, Sigi Schmid elected to National Soccer Hall of Fame

On Wednesday, two Seattle Sounders legends were honored with invitations to join the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Kasey Keller last played for the Sounders in 2011. He was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame on Wednesday. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Former Sounders goalkeeper Kasey Keller, who spent three seasons of his illustrious career defending Seattle’s net, and head coach Sigi Schmid, the only head coach in the Sounders’ MLS history, were among three people elected to the hall Wednesday. They were also joined by the late Glenn Myernick, a former US international coach and player.

Keller, 45, retired from the Sounders after the 2011 season, when he won MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. An Olympia native, Keller began his professional career with the Portland Timbers in 1989 before spending 16 years with seven teams in Europe.

He came back to the United States before the 2009 MLS season and signed with Seattle. Immediately, Keller made his presence felt, setting an MLS record for longest shutout streak to start a season. The Sounders took home that year’s U.S. Open Cup trophy, with Keller serving as keeper and captain, then the 2010 and 2011 trophies as well.

Between 1990 and 2007, Keller earned 102 caps in goal for the U.S. Men’s National Team. He was on the roster for four World Cups and led the team to Gold Cup titles in 2002, 2005 and 2007. In addition, Keller was the only U.S. player to be named to both the 1990 and 2006 World Cup squads.

“I’m proud and thankful for the people that helped get me to that point throughout my career: teammates, coaches, friends, family,” Keller said in a statement released by the Sounders. “It’s kind of a culmination of what you’ve done and how you got there and all the people that helped you get to get to that point, so I’m thankful for that.”

Born in Germany before moving to the Los Angeles area as a child, Schmid, 62, played soccer at UCLA in the 1970s before taking over as head coach of his alma mater in 1980. After 19 years in charge, Schmid took a job with the U.S. Under 20s before coaching the LA Galaxy from 1999-2004.

Schmid came to Seattle before the 2009 season from the Columbus Crew, becoming the first head coach in the Sounders’ MLS history. Into his seventh year at the helm of the club, Schmid has won four U.S. Open Cups and one Supporters’ Shield with the Sounders. He also won MLS Cups with the Galaxy and Crew.